Thomas Anthony Rogish

1944 - 2022

Thomas Anthony Rogish, also known as Tommy to his friends, 78, of the Parsons section of Wilkes-Barre, passed on Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2022, while in the care of Commonwealth Health Wilkes-Barre General Hospital.

Born in Wilkes-Barre on Feb. 28, 1944, he was the only son born to the late Anthony and Florence Shirkness Rogish.

Thomas grew up in the Parsons section of the city, attended Calvin Elementary School and was a graduate of James M. Coughlin High School, Class of 1962. He continued his education at Villanova University, pursuing a law degree. He changed majors and attended King's College, where he graduated with a B.S. in secondary education in social studies.

He was employed by the Wilkes-Barre Area School District, where he taught social studies at Coughlin High School and Meyers High School. Thomas also educated many students at King's College, where he was an adjunct professor for a short time.

Thomas enjoyed every season of the year by being active inside and outside his classroom. He encouraged his students to get out and enjoy nature and life. Thomas led by example. In the winter, he was a Professional Ski Instruction of America for over 40 years and also an American Association of Snowboard Instructor level 2. You could also find him out on the ice, playing ice hockey with a group of his colleagues. In the spring and fall you could find him bicycling on a road or mountain biking on a local trail, or find him training for running in a marathon; he successfully completed two New York City Marathons in his life. In the evenings you could find him rehearsing his lines for a role in a theatrical event at the Little Theatre or the Music Box theater, where he was also a member of the board of directors.

He loved being in his yard gardening or landscaping, but he also enjoyed helping landscape Wilkes-Barre City, where he participated on the Wilkes-Barre City Tree Commission.

Thomas didn't sit still. He enjoyed being spontaneous and traveling when he felt like it. He enjoyed traveling all over the world but his favorite place was Alaska and felt at home in nature. He also felt at home being a parishioner of Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, Dupont.

He was a true inspiration to his students, colleagues and his community in and outside the classroom. This world needs more people like Mr. Rogish.

Thomas was preceded in death by his loving parents, Anthony and Florence Shirkness Rogish.

Surviving are his sisters, Barbara Rogish Drahus, Plains Twp.; Ann Marie Sedon and her husband John, Hudson; along with nieces and nephews.

Thomas's wishes were to have private services at the convenience of his family. He was entombed with his parents at St. Mary's Cemetery, Hanover.

Arrangements were placed in the care of Yanaitis Funeral Home Inc., Plains Twp.